An Israeli flag flutters on the Mount of Olives as the sun rises over Jerusalem and its landmark Dome of the Rock mosque on June 13, 2025, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that a military operation was launched against Iran and would “continue for as many days as it takes”. Israel carried out strikes targeting nuclear and military sites in Iran early on June 13, after US President Donald Trump warned of a possible “massive conflict” in the region. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP)
The Israeli military said that the first boat carrying Israelis stranded abroad due to the Iran-Israel war arrived Friday with 1,500 citizens aboard.
“As part of the Ministry of Transportation’s Operation ‘Safe Return’, a passenger ship bringing Israelis from the Port of Limassol in Cyprus docked today… at the Ashdod Port with over 1,500 Israelis on board,” the military said in a statement.
“The ship was secured (during its journey) by an Israeli Navy missile boat”, the military added.
After Israel’s airports were closed and outbound flights cancelled following Israel’s attack on Iran last Friday, an estimated 100,000-150,000 Israelis found themselves stranded abroad, according to transport ministry figures.
Around 5,000 returned by plane on Wednesday and Thursday, Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev said on Thursday, adding that double the number of flights were expected on Friday.
National carrier El Al said that it would operate “recovery flights” from Europe, the United States, and Thailand.
AFP
Disclaimer
Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.